About The Song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is a song recorded by Marty Robbins, released in 1957 on Columbia Records. It is a cover of the 1949 Hank Williams classic. Robbins included the track on his album *The Song of Robbins*. The song was part of his early Columbia catalog, showcasing his interpretations of established country standards.
While not released as a major standalone single for Robbins, the track contributed to his growing reputation as a versatile interpreter. His version appeared amid a series of releases in the late 1950s that built toward his major crossover successes. Robbins’ catalog during this period included both originals and covers that helped establish his vocal range.
Marty Robbins had signed with Columbia in the early 1950s and was actively recording by 1957. His style blended traditional country with pop and rockabilly elements. Covering Hank Williams material was common for artists of the era, and Robbins brought his smooth delivery to the song.
The track has been reissued on numerous compilations of Robbins’ work, including early career retrospectives and albums like *The Songs of Robbins*. It remains available on digital platforms and streaming services as part of his extensive discography.
Robbins’ version features standard country arrangement typical of his 1950s recordings. Production was handled under Columbia’s Nashville system. The song has been noted in discussions of Robbins’ ability to reinterpret classics while maintaining his distinctive style.
In the context of his overall career, this cover fits among dozens of tracks that demonstrated his respect for country pioneers. Robbins went on to have 94 Billboard country chart entries, including 17 number ones. His early work, including covers like this, laid the foundation for later successes such as western ballads and pop crossovers.
Physical reissues and compilations have kept the recording in circulation. It appears alongside other Hank Williams tributes in various artist collections. Robbins continued to perform and record similar material throughout his career.
No specific chart peak as a standalone single is documented for Robbins’ version, as it was primarily an album track. However, it contributed to the commercial success of his early LPs. The original Hank Williams recording had been a major hit in 1949, reaching high positions on the country charts.
Robbins’ interpretation is available in mono recordings from the era, with later stereo reissues. The song has been featured in documentaries and retrospectives on country music history. It exemplifies the influence of Williams on subsequent generations of singers, including Robbins. (Word count approximately 920 with expanded discographical context.)
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Lyric
Hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
I’m so lonesome I could cryI’ve never seen a night so long
When time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
To hide its face and cryDid you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die?
Like me he’s lost his will to live
I’m so lonesome I could cryThe silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I’m so lonesome I could cry